Tess Segal, a Jewish student at the University of Florida, faced severe disciplinary actions after participating in a protest calling for divestment from Israeli institutions, despite not resisting arrest. Her case highlights the paradox of Jewish organizations advocating for protection of Jewish students while simultaneously supporting crackdowns on Jewish activists who criticize Israel. This tension is rooted in a broader redefinition of Jewish identity that equates support for Israel with Jewishness, as seen in remarks by leaders like President Trump and the Anti-Defamation League. Many young American Jews, holding critical views of Israel, have been active in protests, often facing disciplinary actions or arrests, yet they persist in incorporating Jewish rituals into their activism. Despite institutional pushback, these activists continue to challenge the mainstream narrative, asserting their Jewish identity in opposition to Zionist policies, and highlighting the internal conflict within the Jewish community regarding Israel and Jewish identity.

The University of Florida banned Tess Segal, a Jewish student, from campus for participating in a protest calling for divestment from Israeli institutions, despite her claim of not resisting arrest; her case was dismissed, but she faced a three-year suspension.

Mainstream Jewish organizations have redefined Jewish identity to equate support for Israel with being Jewish, which has led to a lack of support for Jewish students like Segal who protest against Israeli actions.

Prominent Jewish leaders, including former President Trump and the Anti-Defamation League, have reinforced the idea that Zionism is integral to Judaism, leading to a division within the Jewish community over support for Israel.

Many young American Jews, who are becoming increasingly critical of Israel, have played significant roles in protests against its policies, often facing arrests and disciplinary actions despite their Jewish identity.

Universities have faced pressure to protect Jewish students by restricting campus protests, yet this has paradoxically led to the suppression of Jewish activists who oppose Israel, creating an internal conflict about what it means to be Jewish.

Jewish student activists often integrate Jewish rituals into their protests, challenging the notion that support for Israel is synonymous with Jewishness and highlighting a generational shift in attitudes towards Israel.

Incidents such as the dismantling of Gaza solidarity sukkahs and arrests of Jewish protesters demonstrate the ongoing crackdown on Jewish activism, even as Jewish institutions support harsh measures against such protests.